Production Manager - Food Manufacturing

Job Description:

Production Manager (Food Manufacturing)

Location: Norcross, GA

Pay Range: $36.00+ per hour

Position Type: Full-Time, Hands-on Management

We are a leading producer of holistic, natural dog food dedicated to providing pets with the highest quality nutrition. Our facility in Norcross specializes in small-batch, high-integrity food processing using fresh, wholesome ingredients. We are looking for a dedicated leader who shares our passion for quality and safety to oversee our production floor.

The Production Manager is a vital, hands-on leadership role responsible for the end-to-end workflow of our manufacturing process. We are seeking an expert in meat processing and industrial food manufacturing who can lead a small team while directly managing the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of specialized equipment. This role is ideal for a "player-coach" who understands grinding, batching, filling, and packaging in a refrigerated industrial environment.

• Production Oversight:
  Manage the full production cycle from raw material intake to finished blends, ensuring consistent quality and yield.
• Team Leadership:
  Lead, train, and mentor production employees; set daily schedules and ensure the team meets output goals safely and efficiently.
• Equipment Mastery:
  Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot industrial machinery, including:
  • Industrial grinders and emulsifiers.
  • Mixers, blenders, and portioning/filling equipment.
  • Semi-automated packaging machinery, scales, labelers, and sealing systems.
• Compliance & Safety:
  Maintain strict adherence to food-safety protocols, HACCP procedures, and internal Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs).
• Operational Excellence:
  Monitor product consistency, complete shift logs and paperwork, and perform basic preventative maintenance checks on equipment.
• Strategic Communication:
  Partner with senior management to report on production flow, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements.

• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  Proven background in meat grinding or industrial food processing. Prior experience with meat grinders and emulsifiers is required.
• Education & Leadership:
  * Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Industrial Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field OR
• A minimum of 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in meat processing or food manufacturing.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Ability to follow complex SOPs and a strong understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP.
• Soft Skills:
  Strong organizational skills, a high level of reliability, and the ability to train diverse team members.

• Environment:
  Ability to work a full shift in a refrigerated environment (40°F) while handling raw materials.

Physical Demands:
Must be able to stand for the duration of the shift and perform heavy lifting, including lifting 60 lbs overhead.

Compensation / Pay Rate (Up to): $36.00 - $38.00